73156-125HIGHWORTH mayor Gordon Jefferies says plans for closed circuit television in the parish churchyard are a sad reflection on modern society.

St Michael's Parochial Church Council has been forced to consider extending its security system to combat growing problems with vandals.

Cameras are already installed inside the 15th century building.

Now, plans are being drawn up to cover the churchyard too a popular meeting place for youths.

Coun Jefferies said the measures were unfortunate, but necessary.

"It is sad that the church has to be locked and can't be left open, and plans for CCTV are a further indication of the world we live in," he said.

"It is a sad reflection of modern society, but the church has a duty to address these problems.

"St Michael's is the heart of the community and has been for generations.

"So it is important to protect it and to protect the public."

Incidents of petty vandalism are rising at the church, and there have been fights in the churchyard.

Earlier this year, yobs plunged the pathway into darkness by attacking lighting bollards.

One of the three lights leading the way to the west door was completely destroyed, and had to be replaced sapping much-needed church funds.

The damage came just days before repairs were carried out on headstones targeted by vandals.

The news comes as Highworth Town Council is hoping to install cameras in Swindon Street, which was the scene of a mass brawl last month.

The police have been unable to charge anyone in connection with the violence, and say CCTV would have helped their inquiries.

Disorder is common in the streets after closing time because its fast-food outlets are a magnet for revellers.

St Michael's vicar, the Rev Geoff Sowden, was unavailable for comment.